Can EV batteries last 20 years?

Lithium-ion batteries for electric cars may last far longer than we've been led to believe, a battery expert told the American Chemical Society in a speech this week.

Mikael Cugnet of the French Atomic Energy Commission said current estimates of an eight-year lithium-ion life have been based on accelerated tests that donít necessarily provide an accurate picture of how long the batteries will really last in electric cars and hybrids. He believes that if managed properly, EV battery packs could operate reliably for 15 years, and possibly as long as 20 years.

"The accelerated testing thatís performed in labs is not exactly representative of what will happen during real road use," Cugnet told Design News. "Accelerated testing is usually performed at much higher temperatures and in a much shorter time period than youíd see in real-life use. Thatís why people are getting such low values."

Well that depends on if there is an active battery thermal management system, like the one on the volt which can heat or cool the battery pack... Active thermal management will definitely extend the life if you live in either extreme heat or cold climates.

Phoenix weather has always been hard on car batteries. That statement could be ammended to say "EV battery packs could operate reliably for 15 to 20 years except where it really hot like Phoenix, Arizona".
:^)